Susan Mayer Hirsch

Chief Executive Officer

Known for her extraordinary knowledge of community needs, public policy, and private philanthropy, Susan Mayer Hirsch is a visionary leader who helps individuals, families, and foundations create social change. For more than thirty years, she has worked strategically, creatively, and collaboratively to craft public-private partnerships that solve community problems.

She founded Hirsch & Associates in 1999 to help families and individuals with the desire and means to tackle complex civic challenges, from economic equity and social justice to educational and recreational access. Ambitious and realistic, with big-picture vision and political savvy, she works closely with clients to address their individual areas of interest in ways that make a significant difference. Susan is optimistic, idealistic, and passionate about bringing good people and good ideas together to get great results.

Before launching Hirsch & Associates, Susan was the founding executive director of the Mimi and Peter Haas fund, where she developed the foundation’s focus on early childhood. Prior to that, she served as the Bay Area executive director of Strive for Five—a national campaign to promote community volunteerism and charitable giving— and as Manager of Public Affairs for McKesson Corp., advising senior management on business, community, and political issues. After earning her degree in International Economics, she worked as an aide to Senator Henry Jackson (D-Washington) and on the staff of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Susan is a trusted guide whose innovative thinking and strategic problem solving helps individuals and families give with impact. A member of the Family Foundation Network, the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers, and the Council on Foundations Philanthropic Advisors Network, she is on the Advisory Committee of the Butler Koshland Fellowships and the UCSF Memory & Aging Center. She serves on the boards of Education Outside and the Center for Investigative Reporting.